Hi all,

Is there any research out there regarding the need for home visits or
follow-up for mothers who are discharged early?  Does anyone know what the
real risks are?  Is there a research base that will support in home support
for these mothers?  Does it need to be done by an RN or can it be done by a
well train medical assistant?

I heard a couple months ago that a large health insurance company had signed
a contract with a local doula service to provide in home assistance for
post-partum mothers on the health care plan.  Isn't this a better alternative
that longer hospital stays.

Many mothers that I work with/talk to in the early post-partum period feel
they have been booted out of the hospital too early.  They weren't ready.
 How much of this is a physical problem and how much a fear of having to
begin the real responsibility of parenting the baby.

These mothers who complain are usually first time moms, rarely are they
experienced mothers.

Denise Parker